Security, How to disable AirDrop on OS X computers

If you are not using the AirDrop functionality on an Apple OS X computer or device, it may be wise to disable AirDrop so that your computer is not exposed to potential security vulnerabilities.

AirDrop is a means of wirelessly sharing files between Mac computers. While this functionality may be convenient, it sometimes will expose your computer to security vulnerabilities. It is often recommended that you disable AirDrop on your computer.

Follow these steps to disable AirDrop on a Mac:

Open up the Terminal utility by going to your Applications Folder --> Utilities Folder --> Terminal

Copy and paste the following text into the Terminal: defaults write com.apple.NetworkBrowser DisableAirDrop -bool YES

Hit enter

Log out of your account by going to the Apple Menu (top upper left corner of your computer) --> Log out

Log back in to your account and AirDrop will be disabled

If you do not want to fully disable AirDrop, you can make it more difficult for someone to see your computer and share files to it via AirDrop by following these steps:

In the finder, select the Go menu --> AirDrop

At the bottom, click "Allow me to be discovered by:" and select "No one"

If you need to re-enable AirDrop on a Mac:

Open up the Terminal utility by going to your Applications Folder --> Utilities Folder --> Terminal

Copy and paste the following text into the Terminal: defaults write com.apple.NetworkBrowser DisableAirDrop -bool NO

Hit enter

Log out of your account by going to the Apple Menu (top upper left corner of your computer) --> Log out

Log back in to your account and AirDrop will be disabled

The following video was not created by Technology Services, but it shows how to disable and enable AirDrop: